How to Host a Cornhole Tournament: Rules, Setup, and Everything You Need

Cornhole tournaments are one of the most fun events you can run — whether it's a neighborhood block party, a brewery event, a company picnic, or a serious competitive league. Here's everything you need to know to run one well.

Step 1: Choose your format

Single elimination

Fastest format. Lose one game and you're out. Good for large events where time is limited. Requires a standard bracket (4, 8, 16, 32 teams).

Double elimination

Most popular competitive format. Teams get a second chance after one loss. More games per team, takes longer, more satisfying for players who traveled or paid entry fees.

Round robin

Every team plays every other team. Best for small groups (6 teams or fewer). Guarantees everyone plays multiple games. Top teams from the pool advance to a final bracket.

Step 2: Official rules

• Boards placed 27 feet apart (front edge to front edge)

• Each team has 4 bags of one color — 8 bags total per game

• Players stand beside their board and throw toward the opposite board

• Bag in the hole = 3 points. Bag on the board = 1 point.

• Cancellation scoring: only the team with the higher score earns points each round

• First team to 21 points wins (or most points after agreed number of rounds)

• Teams switch throwing sides each game (or as agreed)

Step 3: Equipment you need

• 1 set of regulation cornhole boards (24" x 48") per active court

• 8 bags per court (4 per team, 2 colors)

• A score keeper for each court (or a scoreboard app)

• A bracket sheet or tournament app

• Enough space: each court needs approximately 10 feet wide x 45 feet long

For a 16-team double elimination tournament, plan for 4 courts running simultaneously. You'll need 4 sets of boards and 8 sets of bags minimum.

Step 4: Running the event

• Seed teams randomly or by skill level if known

• Post the bracket visibly — a whiteboard works fine

• Set a time limit per game (20 minutes is standard for casual events)

• Have a tiebreaker rule ready — most common is a one-round sudden death

• Assign a court monitor or scorer to each court for accuracy

• Award prizes to top 3 finishers — even small prizes create motivation

Equipment tip: interchangeable boards for tournaments

If you're running a recurring tournament or league, FanBags Interchangeable Boards are the smartest equipment investment. One set of frames, multiple tops — you can brand each event, swap seasonal designs, or let a sponsor put their logo on the playing surface. Breweries, bars, and event spaces love them for exactly this reason.

Questions about equipment for your tournament? Text Brian at (419) 407-6232 for bulk and quantity pricing.